The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters and detained dozens of international activists, among them a Pakistani named Saad Edhi, his father said on Monday.
Edhi, the grandson of Pakistani philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi who founded the Edhi Foundation charity organization, joined the latest Global Sumud Flotilla last week. The flotilla aims to break Israel’s naval blockade and bring humanitarian supplies to besieged Palestinians in the war-torn area.
Saad, as well as dozens of other international activists on the flotilla into their custody, his father Faisal Edhi told Arab News.
“The IDF intercepted them near Cyprus in international waters, in blatant violation of international law,” Faisal, who heads the Edhi Foundation, said.
He added that his son and other activists aboard the flotilla were tortured before being detained.
“I strongly condemn this illegal act by Israel and call upon Pakistan and the international community to help secure the release of all activists and aid workers,” Faisal said.
Israel has not officially confirmed the arrests, but it has previously defended such interceptions as necessary measures to enforce its naval blockade of the Palestinian enclave.
In a pre-recorded video statement released by the Edhi Foundation following his detention, Edhi emphasized the peaceful nature of the mission. In a previous statement, Edhi Foundation said Saad had overseen the purchase of humanitarian supplies in Türkiye days before boarding the flotilla.
“This is a non-violent humanitarian aid mission, peaceful,” Edhi said in the video message. “If we are kidnapped or arrested by IOF [Israeli Occupying Forces] or IDF, then it is the responsibility of the Pakistani government to come in coordination with them and try to release me as soon as possible. Free Palestine, free Gaza.”
‘Irish president’s sister ‘kidnapped by Israel’
Dr Margaret Connolly, the sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly, is among at least six Irish citizens aboard an aid flotilla that have been detained by Israel, organisers say.
Organisers said the interception happened approximately 70 nautical miles off Cyrpus, with at least six of 15 Irish participants among those detained.